The Nature Improvement Areas were a flagship policy in the environment white paper The Natural Choice, published by the government last year. It aims to improve natural environments across England, halt the decline in species and connect people with nature.

Caroline Spelman said: "The wildlife projects are the result of different organisations working together with a common purpose: to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come."

Professor Sir John Lawton, who led the panel judging the applications, said: "We have 12 outstanding NIAs, each unique in what it is setting out to achieve for the benefits of people and wildlife."

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